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THE STORY: a peek inside
I decided exactly one year ago to re-brand my business from Gift Shop Brooklyn to Annie Bukhman. When I started GSB I didn’t actually know what I was going to be selling, I just knew that I liked making things and I wanted to share that with the world.

Choosing a name like Gift Shop Brooklyn gave me the freedom to form the shop into whatever I wanted with a non-committal future. Whether it ventured into home goods, or jewelry, or baby wear, etc. I honestly didn’t know where it would lead me and I was 100% ok with that. I’ve dabbled in many different mediums over the years, some you have seen and some that never made it into the shop.
When I started to get more and more sales, I had less time to ‘play’ and had to really start making some decisions about my shop.

I decided in Summer 2015 that I wasn’t going to design ‘collections’ anymore.
To be honest, I actually loved doing collections– choosing colors and fabrics, creating mood boards, really ‘feeling’ the theme, gathering photographers and models to create the look book, taking product photography, editing all those images, then seeing it all come together in this orchestra that I had been building in my head for months… Its a hell of a lot of work to be done each season to say the least. Although I did always love the outcome, it just doesn’t make sense to operate this way as a small independent brand. I would do all this work, post my new masterpiece (collection) – then I would still have to make every single piece that sold, answer every email and pack and ship every order. I was on the fast track to burn out. I did get burned out- several times- and have been very open about that on social media. The bottom line is, I either had to change this operation dramatically or close up shop.

Everyone is different. Personally I like to have freedom in my schedule. I like having very few (but excellent) employees, I don’t like feeling chained to my computer, or my sewing machine. So to keep this brand operating, it made the most sense to 1. hire someone to do shipping. 2. take a good look at what was actually selling and elaborate on that: fewer styles, more colors, not trying to reinvent the wheel every few months (aka – according to fast fashion seasons). 3. hire some production help; not manufacturing at a factory, but a husband and wife team here in Brooklyn. I give them materials and patterns and they help sew quantity for orders.

I see many independent brands shifting into this concept of focusing on the solid foundation pieces we are known for. If we do decide to add a style, it’s not just for the sake of adding a style, but is well-thought out and important enough to add to our repertoire. It can be challenging as a designer to withhold executing every idea that comes into our heads, but every little item we bring to market takes an incredible amount of back-work. As my mom said to me, “You’re always going to have ideas, and someone else will most likely do them if you don’t, but that’s ok.”

After five years of nurturing this brand, it’s time to leave the ‘Gift Shop Brooklyn’ label behind. It’s not the vague idea it once was.
Welcome to AnnieBukhman.com!

To help celebrate, please enjoy 20% off your entire order with code: WELCOMETOAB now through Monday!

This winter 2015 collection’s look book is inspired by the sleepy, sexy, 1960’s girls of Valley of the Dolls; and the colors, shapes, and textures of the original Parent Trap (the dad’s California ranch is my dreeeeaaaam home!).

Im starting a new series where I introduce you to some of the amazing, talented customers of Gift Shop Brooklyn.

Meet Angela. She was my first next neighbor, my first friend (ever!), and the very first customer of gift shop brooklyn! I’ll never forget the feeling that Saturday morning when I woke up to my first sale. She was so casual about it, she said ‘I’ve been looking for a bag that is neutral but different’ (it was pink tie dye). I love this picture of Angela; we used to make up dances all day long in our sequin costumes. Now making up dances is what she does for a living!
Hashtag: #GSBBeUniqueBeYou

Halo is a mini collection centering around natrual leather items hand painted in a silvery pink with a pearl finish; new gold leather; pretty sequin styles; and a first ever artist edition bracelet (made by Justyna Fijalska).

For this collection I really wanted to go back to basics. Clean, easy to wear, timeless styles.
I revisited many of my past styles, then stripped them of any unnecessary details or extras; down to the basic size, shape, or material that made the piece strong.
When items are made of gorgeous leathers and materials it is really the only detail needed.
I wanted these pieces to be able to dress up or down, but always with effortless, feminine undertones.shop collection here‘Ocean Tile’ is a Gift Shop Brooklyn original print made from a very small vintage tile I’ve had for about 15 years. I always loved the color and design, and have been wanting to turn it into a print for quite a few seasons now. I love the way it turned out, fresh and summery.Get to know the collection! Use code: aprilshowers for 15% off your order!*Promo ends friday 4/24/15

Credits / Special thanks:
Photography by Justyna FijalskaModels: Annie Choi & Victoria ZeldinMajority of the jewelry provided by Everli
Special thank you to Bryan & Suzie Russell for letting us take
over your apartment!! xo

I recently had the privilege of sponsoring a retreat set up for women photographers, by amazing photographer Andria Linquist and make up artist / yogi Gaylinyet. The two talented women sent me these images of a photo shoot they did with some of my items.
Which means you get to see a sneak peek of new items! The entire new collection will be available this coming Tuesday!